Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking refers to the process where illegal drugs are created, sold and traded on the black market. This involves all criminal drug offenses including cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and selling illegal drugs. In the United States, many drugs are illegal to possess and sell under the Controlled Substances Act and each state’s individual drug laws.

The Trafficking Process

The drug market operates in the same fashion as most illegal trades. Many different organizations, usually referred to as ‘drug cartels’ will specialize in a certain part of the process. One organization may cultivation drugs, while another may buy and sell those drugs to users. Each organization varies in size, and in some countries, drug organizations hold more money and power than their local governments.

Drug Enforcement

Local organizations which distribute drugs are frequently investigated by the police and federal agencies. Drug-related crime is common amongst local distributors, and investigations into violent crimes or money laundering may trace back to an illegal drug organization. Corruption in legal organizations also plays a role in black market trading.